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"We congratulate Mr. Morrison on being elected as the Australian prime minister. China has a consistent and clear position on development of China-Australia relations. We believe a sound and steady development of China-Australia ties serves the fundamental interests of two peoples and contribute to the regional and even the world peace, stability and prosperity. We will work together with the new Australian government to push ahead with China-Australia ties along the right track."

Storyline

China on Friday welcomed the election of Scott Morrison as the new prime minister of Australia.

Disgruntled government lawmakers forced Malcolm Turnbull from office on Friday, making him the fourth Australian prime minister to be dumped by his or her own party since 2010.

Reacting to Morrison's election, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said Beijing would work together with his government "to push ahead with the China-Australia ties along the right track".

The spokesperson also commented on reports that Malaysian police filed a money-laundering case against fugitive financier Low Taek Jho and his father.

Earlier this week, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Low was "probably" hiding in China, but stressed he had no proof of this.

Asked by a reporter on whether China would repatriate Low, the spokesman reiterated that China was "willing to carry out judicial cooperation with other countries".

The US Justice Department alleges Low was a key figure in the theft and international laundering of 4.5 billion US dollars from Malaysia's 1MDB investment fund by associates of former prime minister Najib Razak, who is facing charges of massive corruption.